Kyle Morey says potential is a great word to describe his girls’ soccer team.

With nine starters back, his Oxford Hills Vikings have high hopes for this fall. Still, Morey knows having potential is one thing, turning it into wins is another.

The Vikings have 16 players back from last year. With Abby Chouinard in the midfield and players like Annie Foster leading the front line, Oxford Hills has plenty of athleticism offensively. In the back, the defense should be sound with Lauren Austin, Kittrena Moccia and goaltender Ali Fox anchoring things.

The key for the Vikings, says Morey, is to maintain a level of consistency and be prepared for a rigorous KVAC schedule.

“I think we probably can beat any of the top teams on any given night, but I think one of the other teams can beat us,” said Morey.

Mt. Ararat is a clear favorite in the KVAC. The defending state champions lost 10 seniors, but only three starters. Among those back are All-State forward Kyla Woodhouse. Brunswick should also be a contender. The Dragons went 12-3-2 and lost to Mt. Ararat in the Eastern A semifinal. The Dragons lost three All-State players, but a strong group of sophomores and juniors should keep them in the chase.

Both Lewiston and Edward Little lost key players but should remain as two of the league’s better squads.

Lewiston lost three All-State players from its 14-1-1 season. Laura Martel was an All-State forward and leads the returning group of Blue Devils. Lewiston also has Alison Coleman, Amanda Michaud, Kelsey Varney, Mallory Long, Allison Morin and Katie Nadeau returning. Midfielder Tracy Bradley also is back after a year off.

“Defending our KVAC championship could prove to be challenging,” said Lewiston coach Rick Meyers. “We face some strong competition early in the season – Waterville, Mt. Ararat and Brunswick. We’ll need to pick up a victory from those schools to put points up for Heal Point standings.”

EL lost 10 seniors from the club that went 8-6-2 and lost to Lewiston in the quarterfinals. The Red Eddies return enough talent to keep them in the hunt. Defenders Rachel Barlion and Elizabeth Langelier and goaltender Brittney French provide a sound defense while Lindsey Visbaras and Nicole Wotherspoon lead the offense. Erin Cain, Ashley Pepin, Lindsey St. Hilaire and Elizabeth Esponnette are proven talents in the midfield.

Leavitt hopes to be in that mix of competitive teams. The Hornets went 3-9-2 and return enough experience to make them a threat.

Returning players like goaltender Jordan Beall and defenders Melissa Chadbourn, Andrea Wade and Melissa Stephenson make for a stingy defensive unit. The midfield returns Alyssa Ademen, Stephanie Healy and Nikki Chouinard while Ashlee Wade, Emily Page and Ashley Naylor provide the spark up front.

Mt. Blue won three games last year and hopes to build on that with nine players returning.

In the KVAC B field, Maranacook is a favorite. All-State forwards Toby Martin and Jackie Mrazik lead an experienced team.

Oak Hill lost five seniors and will be much like the rest of the B field. The Raiders lost talent in some key positions but return 11 players. Seniors Ashly Mederios, Ashley Stein and Tia McCollette lead the defense while the offense will have to find balance.

after losing All-State forward Danielle Sargent.

“We have to work as a team and come away with some wins through teamwork,” said Oak Hill coach Wendy Milliken.